I think I need to clarify. It wasn't EVERY one I submitted. Lots just rejected from the query, several others sent form letters after a few sample pages/chapters were sent. I'd say about 20 (a mixture of both agents and editors) actually took partial or full samples. I don't remember the exact number because I submitted it so many years ago, but around that number.
Most of them would not go into further details about what they meant by those statements because it would take up too much of their time. I did get two that outright said, "dumb it down" after I asked.
I don't have those emails anymore, it was seven years ago or I would share them. And yes "too smart" was used by a handful of other ones. I wasn't misinterpreting or making this up. I find it somewhat hurtful for people to claim that about me. I didn't alter the words that were said in the emails. I wish I could show you as proof.
But it was a long time ago.
I do, however, have a review that a professional editor did of my book, which I'd paid for to find out why, way back then. I still have it. I was told my prose matched that of writers from the Victorian era, so I am guessing that was it. My favorite novels are from that time. I like that style better than modern.
Also I haven't been writing this book for the last seven years. I haven't even touched it, except to make outlines last year. Nothing else because I got anxiety attacks over it and I was also dealing with a rough break up.
Anyway, I didn't come on here for an argument or anything about what was said when I originally told the back story. I simply wanted tips to rekindle my love for this book and to get past the anxiety. That was my original question.
I just wanted help with motivation.
EDIT: Sorry, when I wrote the original post I had a fever and a bad cold. I think it messed up my explanations.